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Pep Guardiola reveals fear that Club World Cup will ‘destroy’ Man City’s season as he backs scathing Jurgen Klopp criticism of revamped tournament
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced deep concerns about the toll the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) could take on his squad, warning that the 2025/26 season might be “destroyed” by the packed schedule.
Guardiola’s comments echo recent criticisms by ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, who earlier slammed the tournament’s format and its impact on player welfare.
City are one of the elite European sides already confirmed for the 32-team competition, which will take place in the United States next summer.
While Guardiola is focused on the short term, he admitted that the long-term implications of adding another demanding tournament to an already relentless calendar are troubling.
“I try not to think about it, otherwise I will be so anxious,” Guardiola told journalists. “We will rest the time the Premier League allows us to. And game by game, month by month, we will see. And maybe in November, December, January, ask me, Pep. I may say: ‘So listen, we are a disaster. We are exhausted. The World Cup destroyed us.’”
The Spaniard said his priority for now is ensuring his players can regroup and re-energize, adding: “I try to be relaxed, to enjoy the days here, the good vibes that we have, the competition, to try to win it. And the most important thing, to recover, to find or re-find ourselves what we were. This is my main target in this tournament.”
Guardiola also backed Klopp’s stance, shedding light on their shared frustrations over the congested football calendar.
“I know where his idea comes from,” he said of Klopp’s criticism. “We fought a lot when we went to UEFA meetings, especially on improving the Premier League calendar and giving managers and players more rest. So his comments didn’t surprise me. I understand him. I respect him. I’ve had an incredible relationship with Jurgen over the years, even as rivals.”
Despite empathizing with Klopp’s frustration, Guardiola accepted that coaches must adapt to the realities of modern football. “At the same time, we are in a job. We follow FIFA, UEFA, and Premier League rules. Many teams might complain about these competitions because they aren’t part of it. If they were here, they’d likely enjoy the prestige, the media presence, the fanfare, and the revenue.”
Asked if he would prefer a longer pre-season instead, Guardiola didn’t hesitate. “Would I love to have two months to prepare for next season? Yes. Would I love to be refreshed? Yes. But it is what it is.”
The 2025 tournament in the U.S. will be the first edition under the new 32-team format, with many questioning the sustainability of such a demanding fixture list.
Manchester City’s Club World Cup journey continues on Monday as they face Al-Hilal in the round of 16. With forecasts predicting rain and possible lightning delays, Guardiola remains focused on getting through the fixtures without any major setbacks.
As City continue to chase silverware across all fronts, Guardiola knows the line between glory and burnout is becoming increasingly thin.